Teárlag went to Ailene's door at six and knocked softly in case she was still asleep. Ailene answered immediately and invited her in.

"Were you able to sleep much?" Teárlag asked.

"Not much," Ailene answered. "I don't know if I'm more worried for Stuart or worried for me."

"I'm worried for you," Teárlag answered. "He'll only kill Stuart."

Ailene nodded. Somehow, her own possible death didn't leave her as afraid as a lifetime without Stuart would. "How about you?"

"I didn't sleep much either. I was okay as long as Thorburn remained in bed, but as soon as he left, I've been on edge."

There was another knock on the...